PACCAR Parts is launching a retrofit solution for Autonomous Emergency Braking that brings earlier model Kenworth trucks into line with the new standards.
The move is in response to new Australian regulations for trucks which mark a significant step toward improving road safety for heavy vehicles. New Australian Design Rules (ADRs) aimed at improving road safety for heavy goods vehicles came into effect in February 2025.
Among these is ADR 97/00, which mandates the fitment of Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) to most heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).
Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) are designed to detect likely forward collisions, alert drivers and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond. The technology seeks to minimise the severity of in-lane frontal collisions, particularly in monotonous highway driving conditions, says Brett Medlin, the Technical and Account Manager for leading truck braking system specialist Knorr-Bremse.
With the new mandates in effect from February 2025, most new locally built trucks including Kenworth will come with the new safety systems installed by default.
The Bendix Fusion Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is designed to enhance vehicle control and safety across diverse driving conditions. The technology is already fitted as standard on most new Kenworth models, ensuring compliance with ADR 97/00.
PACCAR has been an early adopter of AEB technology, equipping locally-made Kenworths with the Bendix Fusion technology since the model T610 which launched in 2016.
Advanced Emergency Braking Systems are designed to detect likely forward collisions, alert drivers and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond
This integrated system combines radar, camera technology and the Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to provide comprehensive collision mitigation and enhanced braking capabilities to improve road safety.
“The collision mitigation system PACCAR uses on its locally-manufactured Kenworth trucks is the fully-featured version of Bendix Fusion that includes Enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking, Enhanced Stationary Vehicle Braking, Multi-lane Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Highway Departure Warning and Braking,” Medlin says.
“Nose-to-tail collisions is the second-most common accident involving trucks after rollovers. In scenarios like a car cutting off a truck, or moving out from a lane of stationary traffic in front of the truck, the Bendix Fusion braking system applies the brakes in a much faster way than a driver can react.”
AEBS is not just relevant for new trucks; compatible older vehicles can be upgraded with the latest life-saving technologies to better support drivers in safety critical situations, he adds.
PACCAR Parts is now providing its customers the ability to upgrade certain older Kenworth trucks that are compatible with the latest Bendix Fusion system.
“Most Kenworth trucks that have an electronic stability program on it could have the electronic brake controller upgraded with the Bendix Fusion system. So long as you’ve got the right level of electronics and valves on the truck, you can retrofit it,” Medlin says.
“AEBS not only improves the safety of these vehicles, but a lot of tenders including government, construction and grocery projects specify the level of technology that must be on the truck, including the fitment of AEBS.”
PACCAR customers who are considering retrofitting the Bendix Fusion system to their vehicles should speak to their PACCAR Parts dealer. The dealer will coordinate with PACCAR’s technical team and Knorr-Bremse’s technical support team to ensure the chassis number is compatible and guide the implementation of the retrofit safety system.